Man seriously injured after car and truck collide

A 40-year-old man was seriously injured after the car he was driving collided with a truck and trailer carrying hazardous substances early today.

The crash, at Taupo's control gates bridge, occurred at 12.05am and closed State Highway 1 for three and a half hours.

A Taupo Fire Service spokesman told NZPA firefighters had to cut the man from the car. The truck's cargo of acetylene and oxygen cylinders did not spill.

Sergeant Dave Frazer, of Taupo police, said the car was seen driving towards the bridge "at speed".

It lost control, mounted a raised garden and collided with the truck.

The car's driver was flown to Waikato Hospital by the Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter. He was in the hospital's intensive care unit this morning.

A 38-year-old passenger in the car suffered moderate injuries.

- NZPA